Nature Fresh hires Robert Van Der Geest to oversee Mexican operations

Nature Fresh Farms, Leamington, Ontario, has hired Robert Van Der Geest as general manager of its Mexican operations.

The greenhouse grower has invested in a 15-acre facility, with another 15 acres under construction, in Central Mexico, according to a news release. Van Der Geest will lead Nature Fresh Farms Mexico.

The Mexican facilities will reinforce Nature Fresh’s year-round supply, according to the release.

A native of Holland, Van Der Geest began his career in the cut flower business and for five years oversaw a business in that industry in Mexico. He returned to Holland and began work in the produce greenhouse industry, according to the release.

In 2016, he returned to Mexico to manage vegetable greenhouses. At Nature Fresh, he will be responsible for the initial setup of the greenhouse operation and help integrate it with the other Nature Fresh facilities.

“One of the first things I’ve noticed about this company is the real team environment, which is a fantastic achievement for a company this large,” Van Der Gees said in the e-mail. “I’m looking forward to working with a team that is so innovative and constantly pursuing growth.” 

“With our new facilities in Mexico, we needed someone with an extensive understanding of the industry and familiarity of the region and Robert is a great fit,” John Ketler, Nature Fresh vice president, said in the release.